I think, from my own experience, that as hquek has said, it depends. Mostly in GEP, the teachers attribute less importance to marks than to attitude. I even had a teacher who gave us a talk on how, even if we scored 99 percent on a test, it means nothing if we didn’t try our best, whilst if we scored 60 but tried our best, then we should accept it and find a way to improve. GEP does place a lot more importance on child development than it does on marks.

Of course the child’s self-esteem might suffer, but usually it isn’t too hard to bounce back, as long as you keep a good attitude and continue working hard. As long as one has done their best, it truly is enough.
And as for a competitive environment, I don’t think that it’s really that bad. Everyone supports each other, and no one truly gets jealous beyond light-hearted teasing. There’s no shame in falling below baseline, and in fact it happens quite often, especially in the first years.
But all in all, it truly depends on if the child places a lot of pressure on themselves. They should know that it isn’t likely that they’ll be the best in class, but that doesn’t mean that they should stop striving for it. Hopefully, with enough support, the child will learn to grow.

Well, since there are a few people still wondering if they should join (Isn’t the deadline over? I appear to be sadly under-informed) I thought I’d share my own experiences, and perhaps set some minds at ease.

I was in the GEP, and frankly I think it was a great choice. It is true that the workload gets heavier if you enter this program, and the papers do get more difficult, but in general it is still manageable. (Unless you get a teacher who loves to give impossible math questions to teach perseverance…) I do think that, as I and my fellow classmates have done, that everyone is capable of handling the workload. Sure, there’ll be times when you are not sure if you’ll be able to finish the homework, but it just teaches you not to procrastinate and if it’s truly needed, most teachers will allow an extension. I think that it’s simply a matter of growing into the responsibility, and that anyone can handle it.
Just a side note, that most of the projects are actually really interesting and fun to work on. We had a project in which we had to design a utopia and a math worksheet in which we had to solve letter sums. It isn’t entirely a burden if you enjoy what you do.
For anyone still on the fence, yes, it is a hard program, but it really beats not being challenged to one’s full potential. GEP is a greatly enriching program (However cliche that sounds) and I truly never regret it, despite all the late night rushing and projects. But in the end, I think it’s simply about making the right choice for yourself and your child. Ask if the child wants it. If he or she does, then go for it!

I am also a Year one in rgs and even though I have only spent a few months in this school, I feel it has a really inclusive culture. The seniors are always willing to help any lost year ones (especially since the layout of the school is a little confusing) and it really doesn’t matter which primary school you were in.

To be really cliché, it doesn’t matter where you come from, only where you go. Rgs will surely help you go incredible places, as long as you are willing to play your part too. Good luck to everyone hoping to get in!